Ed Towns

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a distinguished member of the healthcare profession and Brooklynite, Dr. Terry E. Grant. Dr. Grant is the Chief Executive Officer of Gentle Dental, which offers cosmetic and general dentistry, and which serves nursing homes and assisted living facilities. He has also been active as a Chief Division of Geriatric Dentistry at several universities and medical centers. Through dentistry he has conducted various efforts to improve the health of his community. Dr. Grant's efforts include establishing base line data to track children and families in need of dental services, providing free dental service in his private office to children and families of the working poor and uninsured. He has also developed strategies to improve the overall healthcare of children in his community, including contacting the national dentifrice companies and soliciting their support. Most notably, he has spearheaded a community-based preventive children's dentistry program. The program provides free toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and preventive dentistry lectures to children in conjunction with the Nassau County Dental Society for Children Dental Health month. Mr. Speaker, it behooves us to pay tribute to the achievements and service of Dr. Grant. May our country continue to benefit from the selfless endeavors of individuals, such as Dr. Terry E. Grant.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Albert C. Wiltshire, an esteemed community leader. It is an honor to represent Mr. Wiltshire in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an outstanding leader. Mr. Wiltshire obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Studies from St. Francis' College and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from New York University. He also received a Senior Managers Program certification from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Wiltshire is currently a Government Relations Manager for the KeySpan Corporation. At KeySpan, he provides counsel to the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Director of Government Relations on the relevant implications of government policy. Prior to joining KeySpan, he served as a Government Relations Manager for Consolidated Edison. Mr. Wiltshire's administrative experience also includes his previous service as President and Chief Operating Officer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Through his efforts, the Navy Yard has become the most successful industrial park and economic development project in the nation. Mr. Wiltshire is certainly a model for the youth in our community. His drive to improve the standard of living and to clear a path for our youth to enter the economic mainstream is evident in all of his endeavors. Mr. Wiltshire has even served as a member of the New York City Police Department, where he became involved in reaching out to young adults at risk. He also restructured the Citywide Model Cities Program and devoted two years to reforming the New York City Juvenile Justice System's approach to youth crime and incarceration. Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements and service of Mr. Albert C. Wiltshire.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a Brooklynite and distinguished public servant, James T. Conolly. It is an honor to represent Mr. Conolly in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such an outstanding leader. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Conolly obtained his bachelor's degree at the City University of New York. He subsequently pursued a career in public service, where he dedicated several years to assisting and leading others. Mr. Conolly has demonstrated exemplary leadership and devotion to the community as the Executive Director of Alternative Sentencing in the Office of the Brooklyn District Attorney and Director of the Work Experience Program for the New York City Human Resources Administration under Mayor Giuliani. In conjunction with the late honorable Shirley Chisholm, he co-founded the Mid-Brooklyn Civic Association. In addition, Mr. Conolly was the first black man to be elected as District leader in the 42nd Assembly District, which included the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. He is continuing his ongoing commitment to the Brooklyn community through his activity as Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Human Resources Administration. Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent upon this body to recognize the achievements and selfless service of Mr. Conolly as he continues to offer his talents and philanthropic services for the betterment of the community. Mr. Speaker, Mr. James T. Conolly has continuously demonstrated his altruistic dedication to the community that makes him more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Darren K. Pearson, an established entrepreneur who has developed four running businesses in the Real Estate marketplace in Brooklyn, New York and parts of Queens. These businesses include Darren K. Real Estate, LLC, Darren K. Real Estate, LLC Maintenance Division, Howard Avenue Development, L.P., and Darren K. Real Estate Management Company. A part of Darren K. Real Estate, LLC activities involves the acquisition, rehabilitation and development of quality housing of previously owned city multi-dwelling buildings for low, moderate and middle-income families. Before becoming involved in real estate, Mr. Pearson worked as an account executive for Amergold Corporation. He also worked for Vanguard Oil Corporation as a fuel salesperson in the commercial and barge departments, where his duties included fuel sales to Con Edison, PSE & G, LILCO and Government contracts. Within one year, he was promoted to Director of Public Relations for Vanguard and headed the ``Robert F. Kennedy Memorial'' Home Oil Transfer Program, a program that allowed Mr. Pearson to provide fuel oil to needy families and non-profit organizations at discount prices or even at no cost. Due to his success, he was promoted to Vice President of Procurement and Industrial Sales for Vanco Oil Co., a subsidiary of Vanguard Oil Corp. After leaving Vanguard, Mr. Pearson worked as the Real Estate Sales Manager for Charles E. Simpson Real Estate Company and obtained his broker's license after one year. After that he started his four companies. Mr. Pearson is active in both the Brooklyn and Manhattan communities, as Chairman of the Men's Caucus for Congressman Towns, member of 100 Black Men, Inc. and Senator David Patterson's Progressive Network. Mr. Pearson is a devoted husband to his wife Lydia and a loving son to his mother Willie Mae. Mr. Speaker, Darren K. Pearson has continued to demonstrate through his efforts to improve the quality of life in his community that he is more than worthy of our recognition here today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rev. Jonathan Owhe, a native born Nigerian who immigrated to the United States of America in 1989 in answer to God's Call to restore a dying world. Rev. Owhe, a distinguished scholar holds a Bachelors of Arts in Earth Science, Masters of Science in Non-profit Management and Ministry Ordination/ Licenses from Assembly of God's Church, Coastville, PA. Since coming to the United States he has served in different capacities and worked with various organizations and community leaders. He once served as a Special Assistant to Rev. Clearance Williams, pastor of the House of Prayer Church; Director of Project & Program, Vice President of Human Resource under the late Chief Adebowale Joshua of Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council; Director of Human Resource/ Public Relations/Grants under Ngozi Moses of Brooklyn Perinatal Network. In 1995 Rev. Jonathan Owhe and his wife started the Christ The Rock International Church in their living room with just a couple of members. The church now has over 400 parishioners at its Brooklyn headquarters as well as two branches in Tennessee and Georgia and over 300 churches in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Rev. Owhe is a community oriented individual. Concerned with the health disparities and social disintegration of inner city neighborhoods, he founded the Rockgate Community Development Inc. Through this organization, various social, health and educational programs have been created, including Faith in Action Volunteer Care Services, Housing Referral and Counseling Services, Infant Mortality Reduction & Maternal Health Initiative, Comprehensive Youth Leadership & Mentoring Program, HIV/Aids Outreach Services, and a Food Pantry program which feeds hundreds of people weekly. Rev. Jonathan Owhe is the Chairman of the Rockgate Tours, a transportation ministry--taking passengers all over the United States. He sits on various boards and steering committees of major health and social service organizations including the Brooklyn Prenatal Network Inc., Brooklyn Pediatric Health Network, New York City Comprehensive Prenatal Network, and the Greater Southern Coalition Network. Rev. Owhe has a television program called Hour of Restoration, which reaches thousands of homes each week. He and his wife, Toyin, have five children. Mr. Speaker, Rev. Jonathan Owhe has continuously demonstrated his dedication to his community through his role as a religious leader and his commitment and generosity in helping others that he is more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Dr. Joon Bang. Dr. Bang is President of the Korean American Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Korean American youth. He has been involved since 1993 with Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to help Korean American youth develop a positive, healthy identity through self-awareness, career planning, and mentoring. Every year, the Foundation sponsors an essay contest titled ``What America Means to Me'' for Korean American youth that awards college scholarships to the winners. In 2001 the Foundation collaborated with WNET Channel 13 to expand the contest to include young people of all backgrounds. The Foundation raises money to create an annual career forum for Asian American youth presented by the Flushing branch of the YWCA and the Korean American Network. It also sponsors Korean cultural events and performances for the community that attracts performers from across the country. Dr. Bang is also a member of the Advisory Board for Youth Affairs for the Institute of Korean-American Studies, Inc. (ICAS in Philadelphia). Dr. Bang has devoted his time to introducing positive images of the Korean American community to the metropolitan area through public television. In 1994, he founded ``Korean Friend's of Channel 13'' and served as president until 1999. In this capacity, he helped WNET Channel 13 develop a number of fundraising events to assist the March 1999 production of ``Korean American Spirits,'' a documentary featuring the lives of Korean Americans in the tri-state area. The program raised more than $140,000 for public broadcasting. For his contributions, Dr. Bang was named the 1997 recipient of the National Friends of Public Broadcasting and Elaine Peterson Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Bang was born in Korea and graduated from the Medical College, Seoul National University, in Seoul, Korea in 1970. He came to the United States in 1973 and became a board-certified internist in 1978. He is an internist at the New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. Dr. Bang is the recipient of the 2001 Caring for Children Award. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Joon Bang has continuously demonstrated through his humanitarian efforts to improve the lives of the people in his community that he is more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Nicolas Abreu. Nicolas Abreu was born on the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic to Hobo and Nicolasa Abreu. On February 19, 1979, the entire family migrated to New York in order to pursue a better life. His first job, as a waiter in a local restaurant, lasted for nine years. Remembering the vision of his parents led him to resign from his restaurant job and go to work at the family run Auto Dealer establishment. On November 14, 1981, Nicolas Abreu married Luz at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Together, they are the proud parents of three children. Continuing the family legacy, in 1991, Mr. Abreu opened his own auto sales business in Brooklyn, naming it ``Diana Auto Sales'' after his daughter. Business was good and by the mid 1990s Nicolas opened his second used car sales establishment, Crystal Motors Inc., named after his niece. Mr. Abreu also leads by example in his spiritual life. He is an Extra Ordinary Minister at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, where he and his family worship. He is the founding member of the EMAUS (a men's group in the church whose role is to get men involved in activities in the church). He owes his success to his parents for their vision and dedication to their children; if it were not for his parent's foresight he would not be where he is today. Mr. Speaker, Nicolas Abreu recognizes the importance of family, hard work, respect for the community and courage makes him more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Arthur ``Butch'' Niles. Arthur H. Niles was born and raised in Brooklyn's Bedford Stuyvesant village, where just about the entire village raised him. ``Butch'' as family and friends lovingly know him, was born smack dab in the middle of 14 children, parented by Anton and Lillian Niles. He attended P.S. 44, J.H.S. 35 and Boy's High School. Since he was an outstanding athlete, his basketball skills helped him earn the Four Friends' scholarships to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia where he captained the team his entire 4 years. Mr. Niles graduated from the Virginia Union University with Bachelors degree in Sociology as well as achieved lifetime membership to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. After a brief stint in the Eastern Professional Basketball League, playing for the Scranton Miners, a minor league team of Boston Celtics, ``Butch'' return to Bedford Stuyvesant. Along with a few of his brothers and the community friends, he organized the original legendary ``Soul in The Hole'' Basketball tournament. This activity became a sports and cultural extravaganza for youth and their families that occurs every summer and features African Dancers, drummers, poetry readings and great ball games. Butch has always had a revolving respect with the people of central Brooklyn, especially the youth. He always felt that the power of the people could be realized most effectively by fostering a mutually trusting relationship with the youth. After meeting Lucille Rose in the early 1970s, Arthur is credited for organizing the first Bedford Stuyvesant Central Youth Council, Inc. He met George Glee and Margo Butts at Vanguard Urban Improvement Association Inc., where he was employed as a Coordinator. Arthur worked with the young men and Margo worked with the young ladies and together they improved the lives of thousands of young people, many of whom went on to be accountants, teachers, union leaders and other professionals. Mr. Niles is in his 26th year with the agency, during his tenure he has placed over 500 youth from Bedford Stuyvesant in primarily Historically Black Colleges and Universities, developed a culinary School and created the safe Passage for central Brooklyn teens. He developed 21 units of affordable housing through the 1661 Macon Houses L.P and manages another 105 units in Bedford Stuyvesant. Other developments include SUNY Downstate Medical Satellite and Interfaith Medical Center. He is a member of Community Board #3 serving on the By- law's, Land Use and Economic Development committees. He is also a member of Bedford Stuyvesant Economic and Physical Development task force. For his outstanding devotion to community service Butch has received numerous awards over the years like the Community Leadership Award from the Borough President, the Continuous Service Award from Omega Psi Phi, the Youth Development Award from the Mayor's Office, and the Businessman of the year '04 from the Republican Congressional Committee. Arthur and his wife Margo have 2 grown children. His hobbies include travel, collecting jazz, playing golf and tennis and of course watching basketball. Mr. Speaker, Arthur ``Butch'' Niles has continuously worked towards improving the lives of the youth of the community as well as his commitment and generosity in helping others has made him more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John I. Southerland for his loyal service to the community. John I. Southerland was born in Sanford, N.C. to the late Annie Bell Southerland. He graduated from W.B. Wicker High School in 1959, then relocated to New Jersey and later to Brooklyn, N.Y. He is married to Eva Thomas Southerland and they are the proud parents of Jonathan Southerland, Stephanie Southerland-Raimer and Nydia Southerland. In 1968, Mr. Southerland joined the New York City Police Department. During his 27 years with the department, he earned numerous commendations and certificates. He received the Certificate of Merit for 27 years of service and a Certificate of Attendance, which is given to staff members who had not been late or absent for five more years. After retiring from the Police Department in 1995, he pursued his interest in fire safety. He then received a certificate and worked as a fire safety officer in the World Trade Center until September 11. Also during the 1990's, Mr. Southerland was installed as a Deacon, by the late Rev. Dr. Paul C. Hayes, at Mercy Seat Baptist Church of Brooklyn. In 2001, Mr. Southerland turned his attention to community advocacy. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Community Action Project (CAP), a community organization located in East Flatbush. As a board member, he has met with local politicians to lobby against fraudulent immigration services and rampant illegal truck traffic. Currently, he and the board strive to sustain the area's economic growth through better coordination of city services, specifically sanitation and police. He is also attending Queens College to broaden his understanding of political activism to better serve his community. Mr. Southerland is an active member of local DC 37. He was chosen as a delegate to go to Albany to meet with state representative to discuss issues pertaining to the union and its members. He continues to show commitment to the community by visiting the sick and helping senior citizens. He is always willing to share a smile and words of encouragement with everyone he meets. As a result, Mr. Speaker, today we acknowledge John I. Southerland, an asset to the community.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karl Walkes for his contributions to the public school system and noble service in the community. Karl Walkes was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is the fourth of Fitz and Eileen's seven children. He grew up in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and attended the New York City public schools. After graduating from the Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades, Mr. Walkes was introduced to Zeke Clement, a charismatic community leader and legendary basketball coach. Through the effort of Mr. Clement, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia where he pursued a teaching career in elementary education. At Virginia Union University, Mr. Walkes was greatly impressed with the accessibility of the University President, Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Proctor. He watched Dr. Proctor assist students in resolving difficult problems. Most notably, conversations with Dr. Proctor and Mr. Clement inspired him to devote his adult life to helping community youth to embrace their intellect, in order to obtain the unlimited resources that are available to them. After receiving a Bachelors Degree and completing a tour of duty in the United States Army, Mr. Walkes began a teaching career in Brooklyn at the historic Weeksville Elementary School (P.S. 243). He continued his education by completing the Master's Degree course of study programs in Elementary Education at Brooklyn College and the Administration Supervision program at The City College of New York. He worked at the historic Weeksville Elementary School for more than 32 years, serving as teacher, Dean and Assistant Principal. He has often remarked, ``I knew retirement was near when the offspring of past students began registering for kindergarten and completing the sixth grade.'' After retirement from the Board of Education in 1995, Mr. Walkes joined the community-based Jackie Robinson Center, JRC, after-school program full-time under the leadership of Mr. Zeke Clement. The Jackie Robinson Center, JRC, for Physical Culture, which focuses on the improvement of student academic skills, sought to encourage participation in academic, sports and cultural activities. At the JRC, Mr. Walkes functioned as the program's sports and cultural director. His memberships and affiliation over the years include: Brooklyn USA Athletic Association Inc., Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, CSA, Retired School Supervisors and Administrators, RSSA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Committee to Honor, NAACP, Tournament of Champions, Trustee of Community School Board District No. 16 and the St. John's Flashes. He has received awards from: Community School District No. 16 ``Teacher of the Year''; Boy Scouts of America; Jackie Robinson Center for Physical Culture; Brooklyn USA Athletic Association Inc; National Old Timers Clubs Inc.; and Parents of the Weeksville School. Mr. Walkes is married to Verniece Shiver Walkes. They have one son, Kevin, and presently reside in East Flatbush. He is grateful for Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Proctor and Mr. Zeke Clement who taught him through example that we must work diligently with our youth, for they are the most valuable resource that we have. Mr. Speaker, we in turn acknowledge his commitment and contributions today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reginald H. Bowman for his outstanding community service and activism. Reginald H. Bowman is a well-known community activist with more than 30 years in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville neighborhood. Known as a ``Street Comer'' activist who has been on the front line in every movement, since the late Rev. Milton Galamison boycotted the NYC public schools. He has led numerous civic demonstrations with grassroots activists on various civil rights issues, including schools, jails, housing, transportation, and economic development. Mr. Bowman is a product of the New York City Public Schools and the Upward Bound Program created by the civil rights leaders, such as Dr. C.T. Vivian and Dr. Bernard Lafayette. He also attended the New York City University System under the SEEK Program. Since moving to the Brownsville community, he has served with distinction on Community Board 16 and co-founded the Business and Community Coalition to Save Brownsville. Mr. Bowman is also an II-year member of Community School Board 23, most notably as its President from 1999 to the present. Under Mr. Bowman's leadership, the School District launched a comprehensive strategy of sixteen directives, entitled ``Creating a National Model of Urban Education.'' These initiatives improved academic performance in the district, led to the removal of all but one school from the SURR list, the building of Teachers High School, the creation of the P.S. 156/Gifted Middle School Project, and the removal of Community School District 23 from the Chancellor's Districts in Need of Improvement list. He is also presently the Chairman of the Council of Presidents of Brooklyn East and the 1st Vice President of the City-wide Council of the New York City Housing Authority. His innovative approach to strategic planning and framing issues in context for effective civic action, led to paving the road in the Brooklyn East public housing community, for access to cable television, the Task Force Initiatives framework, and more access to Section 3 Jobs. These initiatives also help to frame the speedy response to resident issues and are helping to reposition and put a human face on the Public Housing residents of New York City. Currently, Mr. Bowman is on the staff of U.S. Congressman Major R. Owens. He has also served as an inspirational founder and leader of a variety of groups and organizations. As a result, he is regarded as an ``authentic grassroots community activist and a servant of the community.'' In addition, Mr. Bowman has been married to Jenny Ortiz- Bowman for 23 years and is the proud father of six children and grandfather of four. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, Reginald Bowman's accomplishments and commitment to his community are more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lynn Martin Brown for pivotal work in the community. A native New Yorker, Lynn Brown has spent much of her professional life serving underprivileged communities. She has worked tirelessly at Healthfirst to secure jobs and comprehensive health insurance for many children and adults who would have otherwise gone without. Recently, Ms. Brown helped sponsor several basketball tournaments for underprivileged youth, providing equipment and uniforms. She worked in Brooklyn correctional facilities to provide health insurance to families of inmates. She created a much-appreciated Mother's/Father's Day Family Photography Event at Interfaith Medical Center, and continues to use her creativity to brighten the lives of others. Lynn Brown is the recipient of many awards, and serves on numerous community boards. In 2004, she was awarded ``Woman of the Year'' by Senator John L. Sampson Esq., for her outstanding humanitarian efforts, and exemplary service to the community and city at large. She is a board member for the Five Towns YMCA, enforcing the mission: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirits, mind and body for all. Ms. Brown is a member of a women's group: Sister to Sister-In-Law, a group where women help other women by assisting them in literacy instruction, legal and childcare referrals. She was also honored by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce as a Visionary 2004. Ms. Brown is also a member of the Women's Caucus for Congressman Edolphus Towns. As a member of Berean Missionary Baptist Church, Ms. Brown assists in special events and annual fundraisers. She works tirelessly in the community and remains an advocate for her own children. Lynn Brown is a mother of two girls Aurelia and Kayse, and is even raising her niece Navasia. She has also found the time to continue her education at the College of New Rochelle, where she is majoring in Human Psychology. Ms. Brown's life's work is to analyze and understand humanity in order to build strong families and communities, and inspire confidence in children. As a result, Mr. Speaker, we proudly recognize her today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Geraldine Baker for her academic accomplishments and contributions to the field of education. Geraldine ``Gerry'' Baker was born in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, New York, and is one of the twin daughters of Marie G. and the late Henry W. Baker. Ms. Baker was raised in the Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn. Here she was greatly influenced by the Reverend Dr. Gardner C. Taylor's ministry of activism and leadership and studied classical music under the tutelage of the late John T. Lucas, organist. Following the tradition of great Black families, Ms. Baker's parents inspired her life-long pursuit of excellence. Ms. Baker is a distinguished alumna of the New York City Public School System. At an early age she exhibited leadership skills when she was elected class president at Eastern District High School. She was later selected to participate in a pilot program under the auspices of the Carnegie High School Language program, and won a National Defense Foreign Language Fellowship in Chinese for the summer program at Columbia University. She then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and linguistics at CUNY Richmond College. Ms. Baker culminated her education at Pace University, where she received a Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision and was accepted into the Phi Delta Kappa organization. She has also participated in Harvard University's Graduate School of Education in the Principals' Center for Critical Issues of Urban Education, completed a three-year Partnership for the Prevention of Violence Training Program at the Harvard School of Public Health, and studied at NOVA Southeastern University. Ms. Baker is now a senior staff member at the Edward R. Murrow High School Special Education Department. Her teaching career has spanned the spectrum of the education profession from teaching the gifted and talented to the emotionally, neurologically and physically challenged. In addition, she has been certified by the New York State Department of Education, as an Impartial Hearing Officer, to adjudicate cases on special education problems. In her spare time, Ms. Baker taught at CUNY La Guardia Community College in a specially funded program to provide academic and career curricula for developmentally delayed adults. She has also begun working with Dr. Michael Carrera, pioneer child advocate and sexuality expert, who inspired her to serve as a member of the Murrow HIV/AIDS health Resource team. While Ms. Baker continues to be a source of inspiration and support to fellow professionals, paraprofessionals, interns and parents, she is committed to pursuing excellence in academic performance for her students and other teenagers outside of the Murrow community. She also addresses health, safety, moral issues and personal growth of those in her learning community and interacts with community service and agencies to advocate for students and their families. As an educator, Ms. Baker has avowed a personal commission to touch the lives of all her students by encouraging their ability to fulfill their hopes and dreams in the pursuit of personal, academic and social excellence. In fact, she secured donations from the private sector to establish the novel ``Angel Network'' in order to provide disadvantaged young women with contemporary, designer outfits and accessories, at no cost, for their proms, graduations and various other affairs. Above all, her mission, established during childhood, to inspire young persons to follow in her footsteps, remains strong and for these reasons we honor her today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to join the Jewish people in Jerusalem and throughout the world in celebration of Yom Yerushalyim, Jerusalem Day. On June 7, 1967 the 28th of Iyar 5727, the Israel Defense Forces in the heat of the Six-Day War, unified the city of Jerusalem under Jewish control. At approximately 10 a.m. on that day, the earth shattering proclamation ``The Temple Mount is ours, It is in our hands'' reverberated in the hearts of Jews across the globe. The dream of once again being able to visit the Kotel, The Western Wall, and other previously inaccessible holy sites of Jerusalem, had become a reality. In the subsequent years to follow, Jewish people from every nation on earth would make pilgrimages to the holy city of Jerusalem to visit its revered sites and offer their heartfelt prayers. Every stone in Jerusalem is saturated with Jewish history, every street has some story and saga of biblical times and modem times. Even though Jerusalem is a city laden with rich archeological artifacts, and remnants of ancient times, it has become a thriving city that has preserved its historic nature and adapted to modem life. Beautiful shopping malls, fresh food markets and restaurants are commonplace in Jerusalem, which emphasize the cultural advancements Israel has made in such a short period of time. Perhaps one of the most moving aspects of modem day Jerusalem is its abundance of Yeshivas, Kollels and the prominence of Jewish religious life. It is truly inspiring to see Jews, young and old immersed in the deep study of Jewish texts. Many Hasidic sects and other Orthodox institutions based in my district have satellite branches in Jerusalem and quite a few of my young constituents study Judaism in Jerusalem and return to the United States invigorated from their experiences. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize this very jubilant day and reaffirm my unflinching support for the City of Jerusalem and the State of lsrael.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Council of Young Israel Shofar Award recipient Rabbi Leonard Guttman and his wife, Carolynne, and pay tribute to their involvement and commitment to the Young Israel movement and to worldwide Jewry. Rabbi Leonard B. Guttman Esq. is an Assistant Vice President for Intergovernmental Relations at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, the largest public health system in the United States. His prime responsibility is to serve as an advocate in Washington for New York's publicly funded hospitals and its over 1.3 million patients. While new to the Young Israel Ohab Zedek of North Riverdale-Yonkers, in 1988-1989 he worked at the National Council of Young Israel where one of his responsibilities was serving as editor of the Young Israel Viewpoint. He has also been an adjunct Professor at the Borough of Manhattan Community College and Touro College and an Assistant Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging. From 1994- 1996, he served as First Deputy Commissioner/General Counsel at the New York City Commission for the United Nations and Consular Corps. He often worked behind the scenes to help Israel and Jewish individuals who are suffering. Rabbi Guttman is active in a vast array of non-profit organizations. Among these activities, he serves on the Board of the American Friends of the Sanz Laniado Medical Center (Netanya, Israel), which awarded him and his wife its Community Service Award in May 2000, and also on the board of the Metropolitan Council of the American Jewish Congress. Since 1997, Rabbi Guttman has quietly taught a Torah class at the United Nations for its Judaica Club. He has published articles in Midstream, New York Affairs, Congress Monthly and The Jewish Press on issues as varied as the Holocaust, Islam and Jewish and Communal affairs and has also lectured extensively. Carolynne, originally from Toronto, Canada, comes from a distinguished family active in Jewish and Communal affairs both in Toronto and Houston, Texas where she spent her formative years. A known expert on medical reimbursements, she serves as billing manager at New Rochelle Radiology. Mr. Speaker, I have been fortunate to witness the revitalization of the National Council of Young Israel (NCYI). Nationally, the Departments of Synagogue and Rabbinic Services and the Women's Division and the Youth Department provide Young Israel congregations with much appreciated support. When an Orthodox synagogue needs assistance, NCYI is known as the organization to contact. On the international scene, NCYI is at the forefront of speaking out in support of the State of Israel, and to ensure the return of Israel's soldiers who are missing in action. NCYI has spearheaded a campaign to provide the Israel Defense Forces with Torah Scrolls for its troops who are in mobile and isolated posts. NCYI has delivered over 100 Torah scrolls and has not only facilitated but also encouraged many other individuals and organizations to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is incumbent upon this body to recognize the accomplishments of Rabbi & Mrs. Guttman for their outstanding efforts in the betterment of the Jewish community and the City of New York.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I have recently been given a copy of an interesting new book called Authentic Voices of South Asia, edited by retired Brigadier General Usman Khalid and published by the London Institute of South Asia. The book is an excellent discussion of India's hegemonic ambitions in South Asia and the drive for self-determination for all the peoples of the subcontinent. I recommend it to my colleagues as an excellent source of information about that difficult and troubled region. The book includes essays on the situation in Punjab, Khalistan, in Kashmir, and in other troubled parts of the subcontinent. It extensively discusses India's ambition to be the overwhelming, hegemonic power in South Asia and control all the countries there and its disrespect for the sovereignty of its neighbors. It is dedicated to ``250,000 Sikhs, 90,000 Muslim Kashmiri Martyrs and many more who have been killed in all parts of India, notably Assam, Maharashtra, and Gujarat by Hindu mobs or the Indian police and armed forces.'' This doesn't mention the fact that the Hindu mobs carry out their atrocities with the connivance of the Indian police and armed forces. For example, a policeman in Gujarat told an Indian newspaper that the massacre of 2,000 to 5,000 Muslims there was pre-planned by the Indian government and the police were told to stand aside, a remarkable parallel to the 1984 Delhi massacre of Sikhs, in which Sikh policemen were locked in their barracks. In all, Mr. Speaker, over 250,000 Sikhs have been murdered by the Indian government, according to the Punjab State Magistracy, in addition to more than 300,000 Christians in Nagaland, over 90,000 Kashmiri Muslims, tens of thousands of Christians and Muslims throughout India, and tens of thousands of Assamese, Bodos, Dalits, Manipuris, Tamils, and others, as well as the minorities cited in the introduction to Authentic Voices of South Asia. In addition, according to the Movement Against State Repression, India holds over 52,000 Sikh political prisoners, some of whom have been in illegal detention without charge or trial since 1984. Amnesty International reports that tens of thousands of other minorities are also held as political prisoners. This is why this book is so urgently needed and so important. The book includes essays by Dalit leader V.T. Rajshekar, Dr. Gurm Singh Aulakh, President of the Council of Khalistan, Dr. Awatar Singh Sekhon, Editor of the International Journal of Sikh Affairs, and many other leaders and scholars. Mr. Rajshekar writes that ``the glitter of Brahminism lies in its imperial ambitions and its fascist agenda.'' Dr. Sekhon writes that only accepting the principle of national self- determination provides a basis for peace and stability in South Asia. India agreed in 1948 to a plebiscite in Kashmir to determine its status. That plebiscite has never been held, even as India proudly proclaims itself ``the world's largest democracy.'' Well, why not simply let the people of Kashmir, of Punjab, Khalistan, of Nagalim, and of all the other minority states and communities determine their status by means of a free and fair vote. Isn't that how democracies do business? It is time for the U.S. Congress to go on record demanding a tree and fair vote, demanding that India keep its promises and act like the democracy it claims to be. It is also time to stop American aid and trade with India until its ``imperial ambitions and its fascist agenda'' are abandoned and all people within its borders enjoy full civil liberties and human rights. Only then can India's claim of democratic principles be taken seriously. Mr. Speaker, I would like to insert the Preface from Authentic Voices of South Asia into the Record at this time for the information of my colleagues and the American people. Authentic Voices of South Asia Preface South Asia is the only major region in the world with unsettled frontiers. This is not because the states that emerged from the end of British colonial rule in the subcontinent have no `principle' or `agreement' to draw on for settling their disputes, it is because the largest country--India--has simply resiled on the agreements it made. The `core' dispute in the area is over the future of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. India took the matter of its `ownership' of the State to the UN Security Council which ordered a cease fire but rejected its claim; it upheld the UN Charter and secured an agreement of both India and Pakistan that the people would decide which country their state would join--India or Pakistan--in a UN supervised Plebiscite. India used the cease-fire to consolidate its military position and then went back on its agreement in 1953 to hold the Plebiscite on the specious grounds that Pakistan had signed a bilateral defence agreement with the US and introduced a `foreign' element that India found unacceptable. The root cause of all the problems in South Asia is India's self view as an `imperial' power with a role to keep order in the region. India acts like the US did when it exercised control over South and Central America under the Monroe Doctrine or the Soviet Union exercised control over East Europe under the Brezhnev Doctrine. India does not recognise the sovereign equality of states of South Asia; it acts as if it operated a `doctrine of limited sovereignty' of sorts in the region. India is resented and abhorred by all its neighbours for that reason. India became a `strategic partner' of the Soviet Union during the Cold War and is now a `strategic partner' of the US and Israel. It chose its `partners' with only one consideration--who will recognise India as the `primary power' in the region (a policeman in American parlance) and thus help keep a lid on the pressure cooker that India had turned South Asia into. Pakistan is not the only victim of India's `imperial' aspiration; the religious minorities and the `low born' inside India suffer even more. India betrayed the Sikh who it promised to give their own `sovereign state'. It betrayed the Untouchables by Poona Pact promising meaningless `legal safeguards' in exchange for the effective `political safeguard' of `separate electorate' offered to them by the British Government. All the various tribal peoples all over India, who had been self governing under British rule, have been denied their separate identity and rights. The betrayal of India is matched by the ineptitude of Pakistan's leaders who neither understood the Indian mindset nor their own role as the champion of `post imperialism' to uphold the right of `national self-determination' in South Asia and as a `nation state' with Islam as the principle of national solidarity. Putting this book together was a huge task that could be done better if some of the constraints had been absent. Because it is so difficult to speak the truth and survive in South Asia, many of the Authentic Voices live in exile and those who live in India have to be careful. Being a soldier rather than scholar, my editing is not characterised by `academic restraint' but by `forthright clarity'. But I have not tried to harmonise style or substance; the differences of views between the various contributors exist, as they must. After all, these are the Authentic Voices of different I peoples. I am grateful to all the contributors, particularly to Syed Ali Geelani and Mr V.T. Rajshekar, who are under close watch in India, to have taken risks to address the people of South Asia and given them hope and direction.-- Brigadier (R) Usman Khalid.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 57 years since the founding of the State of Israel. This momentous occasion is not only a day of joy for the people of Israel but for those that cherish freedom and democracy across the world. The founding of the State of Israel was a miraculous event. In a period of time when the persecution of Jews ran rampant across Europe, Zionist visionaries saw the great need to establish a Jewish State. Theodre Herzl while a reporter on the Dreyfus Affair in France recognized the hostility that existed against Jews and against all odds began to successfully garner support for his idea of a Jewish State. Mr. Speaker, we all know what the State of Israel has become since those uncertain times. Jews across the globe who were persecuted, be it in Yemen, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran or the Soviet Union were able to turn to their Jewish brethren in the State of Israel to taste freedom and freely practice their faith. The State of Israel aside from being a thriving metropolis with a vibrant economy has become the central location for the study of Judaism and its holy texts. Since its inception Israel has been fighting a war of terrorism perpetuated against it. I have been pleased throughout my tenure in Congress to stand strongly with the State of Israel in their struggle against terrorism and will continue to do so. We must recognize our allies in the Middle East. Israel has continuously stood with the United States and our interests and I hope that our close relationship will continue to be strengthened as we work to promote our shared values. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership of The Consul General in New York, Arye Mekel, for his dedication to bridging the communities of Israel and New York. Additionally, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York has worked tirelessly to advocate on the behalf of the State of Israel and the New York Jewish Community and I would like to thank them for their hard work. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues here today in congratulating the State of Israel on their Independence and look forward to the alliance between our two countries to continue to grow.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. I join the Jewish people in the State of Israel and across the globe in remembering the 6 million Jews that were brutally murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust. Today is a time for all of humanity to reflect upon that most horrid period of history. The Holocaust demonstrated the mass atrocities that a supposedly civilized society could tolerate. We must keep in mind, that the Nazi genocide against the Jews was not the action of a lone individual. It was a carefully thought out plan which sought the support of an entire nation. The Holocaust reflects the worst of international relations highlighting a time global politics was plagued by inaction and indifference. The complacency of the United States of America to the cries of those being slaughtered in Nazi death camps will forever tarnish our nation's history. The willingness of the Roosevelt administration to turn back 937 Jewish refugees on the St. Louis to their subsequent deaths in Europe will also not be forgotten. I am privileged to represent a diverse portion of Brooklyn. In my district there is a large but dwindling population of Holocaust survivors. Many of these survivors rebuilt their lives with nothing more than the shirt on their back. Today, based on the strong foundations of those Holocaust survivors, the beautiful Jewish communities in Brooklyn of Williamsburg, Midwood and Canarsie were built. These communities represent the best of Jewish life and have been instrumental in resurrecting religious life in the aftermath of the Holocaust, by creating synagogues, yeshivas, and other religious institutions. When I see and hear tragic stories from these heroic individuals it provides living testimony to an event that is hard for many today to phantom. Educating people especially the young, about the events that transpired in Europe over 50 years ago is critical to halting the recent spread of anti-Semitism around the world. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of organizations in my district that have taken extraordinary steps in servicing and caring for the Holocaust survivor population: The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty; The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg; The Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush; The Jewish Community Council of Canarsie; The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; Peasch Tikvah and all the Bikkur Cholim organizations. Their selfless work for Holocaust survivors continues to serve as an inspiration to me and I am honored to recognize their hard work. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues here today in remembering the Holocaust. Because there are still Holocaust non-believers today it is imperative that we never forget and continue to learn from this terrible chapter in history.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for House Resolution 250, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of a National Hepatitis B Awareness Month. Hepatitis B is a serious health concern that unfairly attacks minority populations. Almost 350 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B, with 75 percent of those infected living in Asia. This disease has similar effects on the same groups of people here in the United States. Asians have the highest rate of chronic hepatitis B of all ethnic groups. Chronic hepatitis B rates for the Asian Pacific Islanders population range up to 15 percent, which is more than half of all the Americans diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. African Americans are three to four times more likely than Caucasians to be infected with hepatitis B. Additionally, the African American workforce, consisting of over 3 million people, tend to work in occupations, such as nursing, health care and emergency services with higher exposure to the hepatitis B virus. Over half the United States' total Asian American population lives in just three states, with 1.2 million living in New York. Seventeen percent of New York's population is of African-American descent. The hepatitis disease is extremely dangerous, because not only does it lead to life-threatening illnesses such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer but it can also be easily transmitted through blood and body fluids, unprotected sex, and unsterilized needles. Also, many of those who have become infected with the disease will not have recognized symptoms until they develop the more serious illnesses. Hepatitis B can be a preventable disease if vaccination programs, increased awareness, better disease management and public education initiatives are ongoing. By recognizing the week of May 9th as National Hepatitis B Awareness Week, we can join together and attack this life- threatening disease. During Hepatitis B Awareness Week, several community events are scheduled that will bring together physicians and public health advocates, patients and at-risk populations to increase awareness and education on prevention, and treatments for hepatitis B. Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to lend my support for passage of this resolution and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fausta Delbeau in honor of her 100th birthday which she will celebrate on April 30. Fausta was born in Jacmel, Haiti on April 30, 1905. She was married to Jeannel Delbeau. They had seven children: Nirva, Paulette, Yves, Marie-Theresa, Jean Claude, Claudette and Adeline. She moved to Cuba in the 1940's before Fidel Castro's rise to power. Fausta left in the 1960's, just a little while after Castro took over, migrating to the United States of America where she has permanently resided since then. Mrs. Fausta Delbeau has been a U.S. citizen for more than 20 years. She has worked very hard, through difficult and trying times and circumstances, to educate and provide for her immediate and extended family members. A devout Christian believer in the Seventh-Day Adventist message, Mrs. Delbeau has been an active and fervent member of the Hebron S.D.A. Church in Brooklyn, NY. She is now a member of Maranatha! French & Creole Speaking S.D.A. Church in Queens, NY. She has always devoted her heart to the work of charity and community service both with the church and in her personal life. Mr. Speaker, Madame Fausta Delbeau has lived a long and fruitful life in three different countries. She has remained true to her Christian beliefs throughout her 100 years and as such is worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the seventy-fifth anniversary of ``Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, who I am proud to represent in the House of Representatives. Concurrently, the Council of the City of New York is scheduled to adopt a resolution congratulating Brooklyn College and its President, Dr. Christoph M. Kimmich, on their anniversary and outstanding efforts on behalf of the Brooklyn community. Mr. Speaker, Brooklyn College was founded on May 15, 1930, upon the merger of the Brooklyn branches of Hunter College and City College as the first coeducational public college in New York City. At its inception it was a modest institution that has developed tremendously and flourished marvelously. Brooklyn College provides superb education in the arts and sciences and has served the community by graduating, over the past seventy-five years, more than 140,000 ethnically and culturally diverse students, reflecting New York City's rich sociological fabric. Brooklyn College has been recognized nationally for its outstanding faculty, rigorous academic standards, innovative curriculum, and beautiful campus, and was recently ranked third among America's Best Value Colleges by the Princeton Review. Mr. Speaker, Brooklyn College will be holding many special events throughout the year in celebration of this anniversary, including a birthday party on May 10, 2005, on the College Quadrangle. Mr. Speaker, I believe it is incumbent upon this body to recognize the activities celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of Brooklyn College and its ongoing dedication to providing excellence in education. I encourage my colleagues to join the residents of Brooklyn in honoring Brooklyn College and its many alumni, students, faculty, and staff upon this very momentous occasion.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Willie E. Gary for his work as an outstanding trial attorney, philanthropist and community activist. Attorney Willie E. Gary is living the American Dream. Once a migrant worker, now a multi-millionaire attorney, Gary earned his reputation as ``The Giant Killer'' by representing little-known clients against major corporations. Gary's amazing success has earned him national recognition as a leading trial attorney. Along the way he has handled some of the largest jury awards and settlements in U.S. history, winning more than 150 cases valued in excess of $1 million each. His remarkable legal career and tireless work on behalf of his clients has been well documented on ``60 Minutes'', ``CBS Evening News'', ``The Oprah Winfrey Show'', ABC's ``World News Tonight'' with Peter Jennings, and CBS's ``The Early Show'' with Bryant Gumbel. In May 2002, he was featured in Ebony magazine as one of the ``100 Most Influential Black Americans''. Forbes Magazine has listed him as one of the ``Top 50 attorneys in the U.S.'' Gary has also been featured in such national media publications as The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, Black Enterprise, The New Yorker and The National Law Journal. But Willie Gary's triumphant rise to the top is no overnight success story. His vast appeal stems from his desire to be the best and a passionate work ethic he learned through his humble beginnings. One of 11 children of Turner and Mary Gary, Willie Gary was born July 12, 1947 in Eastman, Georgia, and raised in migrant farming communities in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. His unwavering desire to earn a college education ultimately led him to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina where the all-state high school football player would earn an athletic scholarship after being told there was no room for him on the team. Gary went on to become the co-captain of Shaw's football team during the 1969, 1970 and 1971 seasons. Earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Gary went on to North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1974. Upon earning his law degree, Gary returned to Florida where his childhood sweetheart, Gloria soon became his wife. Gary was admitted to the Florida Bar and opened his hometown's first African-American law firm with Gloria's assistance. His practice has since grown into the thriving national partnership known as Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson & Sperando, P.L., consisting of 37 attorneys, a team of paralegals, a professional staff of 120 including six nurses two full-time investigators, an administrator, a certified public accountant, a public relations director, a general counsel, human resources director, and a full administrative staff. Gary is a member of the National Bar Associations, the American Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Associations, Florida Academy of Trial Lawyers Association, Martin and St. Lucie County Bar Associations and the Million Dollar Verdict Club. Gary's scope of interest extends far beyond the courtroom. He is chairman of the Black Family Channel, the nation's first African-American owned and operated 24-hour cable channel that is devoted to wholesome ``family values'' programming for urban viewers. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the network's vision is to provide intelligent, family-oriented programming that embraces values in business, entertainment, sports, ministries and government. Gary also hosts a weekly talk show on the Black Family Channel featuring personal interviews with prominent guests Known as a businessman, churchman, humanitarian and philanthropist, Gary is deeply involved in charity and civic work. He is committed to enhancing the lives of young people through education. In 1991, Gary donated $10.1 million to his alma mater, Shaw University. He has also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities throughout the U.S. In 1994, he and his wife, Gloria, formed The Gary Foundation to carry out this formidable task. The Gary Foundation provides scholarships, direction and other resources to youth, so they can realize their dreams of achieving a higher education. His national television campaign, ``Education is Power,'' encourages children to stay in school and be the best that they can be. In addition to being a lawyer, a philanthropist, a media mogul and a motivational speaker, Gary continues to serve on the board of trustees of numerous universities and foundations. He has received honorary doctorates from dozens of colleges and universities. His extensive community activities include membership in the NAACP, Florida Guardsmen, Inc, Urban League, Civitan International, the United Way of Martin County and Martin Memorial Hospital Foundation Council, and many others. Willie and his wife Gloria have four sons, Kenneth, Sekou, Ali, and Kobie. Mr. Speaker, Willie Gary has continued to demonstrate through his work as an attorney and his commitment and generosity in helping others that he is more than worthy of our recognition today.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Carlos Castillo who is being honored at the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club dinner dance as ``Lion of the Year.'' Carlos Castillo, an outstanding Lion member, was born in Myaguez, Puerto Rico. Upon graduating high school in 1959, he originally came to New York for just two weeks. However, those two weeks ended lasting a lifetime. He got into the supermarket business and continued that venture for 40 years. Through his work, he has become a highly recognized and distinguished individual in his industry. In 1989, his efforts were recognized with the Businessman of the Year Award. Also, in 1991 he received the Outstanding Puerto Rican Professionals Award from the Office of the New York City Council President, the Honorable Andrew Stein. In addition to his accomplishments as a businessman, he is also a noted humanitarian. Carlos joined the Brooklyn Caribe Lions Club in 1984 and has always had an eye on helping those in need. Throughout his tenure with the Lions, he has received the Lion of the Year Award, the 100% President Award, the Melvin Jones Award, and the prestigious Uplinger Award. He is also a devoted father and an all around exceptional family man. He has been married to his wife Astrid, for 40 years, and together they have raised three successful children: Charles Jr., Sandra, and Nelson. He is the proud grandfather of Michael, Taylor, Ivan, and Carlos Luis. Mr. Speaker, Carlos Castillo has been a leader in his community and has been a wonderful example of how dedication and perseverance can lead to success. As such, he is more than worthy of receiving our recognition today and the award of Lion of the Year Award. Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly remarkable person.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to our former colleague, the late William ``Bill'' Lehman, who recently passed away in his home state of Florida. Bill represented the 17th Congressional District of Florida from 1973 to 1992. While he was a great advocate for transportation, foreign affairs issues, and racial equality in education, he has received very little or no recognition for his work on behalf of Haitian refugees. In 1979, Haitian refugees faced significant due process violations by the Federal government. At the time, he represented almost all of the fledgling Haitian community in South Florida. Bill felt very strongly that he could not successfully oppose the onerous civil rights violations faced by Haitians, because of their national origin, without additional political support. It was at his urging that the Congressional Black Caucus formed the CBC Task Force on Haitian refugees. The Task Force eventually succeeded, accompanied by various legal victories, in establishing an immigration designation, ``Cuban- Haitian entrant status'', that permitted Haitians seeking political asylum to remain in the country while they pursued their asylum claims. Without his personal intervention and commitment on their behalf, the Haitian community in South Florida may have never received some form of equitable treatment under our immigration laws. With his passing, our colleague, Bill Lehman's contributions to improved immigration laws in this country should not be forgotten. I am proud to have served with him during his last 10 years in Congress.

Mr. TOWNS

Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a distinguished organization, the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. It is an honor to represent The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg in the House of Representatives and it behooves us to pay tribute to such a selfless organization. Mr. Speaker, The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg was founded in 1966 to help families in need in South Williamsburg. Over the course of its Thirty-Nine years of service to the Brooklyn community The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has thrived marvelously where today it represents more than 50,000 community residents and 148 not-for-profits, religious, educational, charitable organizations and civic associations in the Jewish community of Williamsburg, Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant. Under the tutelage of their President, Rabbi David Niederman, The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg has established itself as a direct provider of social and housing services and is the address for urban planning, public health and community development services for the Jewish community of Greater Williamsburg. The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg, has been a leader in providing low-income housing to the Williamsburg community. Their most recent project includes the development of a waterfront property at the site of the former Schaeffer Brewery, which has 149 housing units reserved for low-income people. Additionally, they are the central address for the New York State and New York City Departments of Health and the Center for Disease Control in researching and conducting pilot projects on Cancer and Shigellosis in the culturally rich Hasidic Jewish community. They also have been instrumental in providing treatment to those suffering from the adverse effects of tobacco as well as being involved in collaborative efforts witl1 other not-for- profits to providing for the overall betterment of the Williamsburg community. Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent on this body to recognize the achievements of the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg. After the destruction and decimation of many Hasidic dynasties in Europe during the Holocaust, it is truly an inspiration to see the Hasidic sects of Satmar, Pupa, Vishnitz, Vien, Tzelem, Skver, Klausenberg and Spinka join together under the umbrella of The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and call Brooklyn their home. Mr. Speaker, may our country continue to benefit from the civic actions of The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and community groups similar to them.